(Editor's note: This press release was submitted by the Rhode Island Republican Party. Inquiries should be forwarded to party Chairman Brandon Bell at 401-274-8800 or email bbell@rigop.org.)

Warwick, RI - Coincidences rarely occur in politics.

Yesterday, at the height of Governor Gina Raimondo's push to get her toll plan through the General Assembly, we learned a bridge in Cranston was closed down by the RIDOT. Interestingly, this bridge happens to be a bridge used by Speaker Nicholas Mattiello to travel from his law office to the Statehouse.

Are politics involved in the bridge closure? "This seems rather strange, and we deserve some answers." Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Brandon S. Bell agreed with Speaker Mattiello's demand for an immediate investigation into the bridge closure. Bell continued, "If the Speaker thinks we should spend time investigating a bridge closure, then we should certainly have an investigation into the 38 Studios debacle. Years have passed and millions in taxpayers' money have been given to the bondholders, and the people of Rhode Island still have seen no investigation by the legislature."

Chairman Bell concluded, "If Curt Schilling had thrown a baseball through the Speaker's car window one night to get his attention, the people of Rhode Island apparently would have an immediate investigation. Therefore it is time to investigate 38 Studios."